Language and cultural code peculiarities within the framework of cross-cultural communication

Abstract

The article deals with the peculiarities of linguistic and cultural code-specific features which have a significant impact on the successful communication process within the framework of intercultural interaction. According to the research work, the basic ground of cross-cultural communication operates with definitions and cultural elements, which are of primary importance in the language-mastering process and adaptation procedure to the foreign language environment. The authors of the research work analyze the concepts of code existing processes in modern linguistics, considering the key components of the linguistic and cultural code, stressing the complex nature of intercultural communication procedure due to the subjective application of individual background knowledge of a person while adapting to a foreign country's language and culture environment. Special attention is paid to the process of code-switching, which entails a stage of the new coding system. The analyzed process is a system of subcodes transformation procedure while sub coding information is carried out using an unlimited number of verbal and nonverbal communication signs. The article presents the author's ideas about the strategic influence of Standard British English on the language and cultural conditions of such language variants as Nigerian English. Being used as the official language, Nigerian English presents a hybrid type language variant, adapting British English phonetics, lexis and grammar to the needs of local cultures and languages. The code-switching process from local languages into English in formal communication is a typical process for Nigerians. While analyzing the specific features of the code-switching process in Nigerian English, the authors stress the necessity of paying attention to all language group variants: basilect, mesolect and acrolect, which are equally used in Nigerian society. One must admit code-switching process results in the popularity of Nigerian Pidgin English which has become the most popular unofficial language to nearly all Nigerian social groups thanks to it simplification in all language levels. Nigerian cultures and languages made Standard British English adapt to the local environment due to the needs of speakers. To conclude, the authors stress the specificity of the speaker is revealed in the process of cross-cultural communication and adaptation based on the peculiarities of the peoples' mentality as well as on a communicant's national character specificity.